How to Start a Pet Sitting Business in 2026: Pricing, Insurance & First Clients

 

How to Start a Pet Sitting Business From Home in 2026 (Without Relying on Apps)

Pet sitting apps are a good way to get started, but they take a cut of every booking and control who sees your profile. Once you have a few happy clients, running your own pet sitting business lets you set your prices, keep more of what you earn, and build repeat customers.

This guide covers how to start a pet sitting business from scratch: what to charge, what protects you legally, and how to find your first clients. If you're still deciding whether to use apps first, read our comparison of the best pet sitting apps before you go independent.

Step 1: Decide which services you'll offer

Start small and add services once you're comfortable. The most common options are:

• Drop-in visits: 20–30 minute visits for feeding, water, and a quick play or potty break
• Dog walking: see our dog walking guide
• In-home boarding: pets stay at your house
• House sitting: you stay at the client's home while they travel
• Extras: medication, watering plants, bringing in mail

Small-animal and cat-only sitting is a good low-stress starting point, since cats often do fine with short daily visits.

Step 2: Set your prices

Rates depend heavily on your city, so research before you decide. Look up 5–10 local sitters on Google, Facebook groups and Nextdoor, and note what they charge for drop-ins, overnight stays and holidays.

Some pricing tips:

• Price in the middle of your local market at first, then raise rates as you get reviews.
• Charge extra for holidays, multiple pets, puppies, and pets that need medication.
• Set a cancellation policy from day one, for example a deposit or fee for last-minute cancellations.

Note that any earnings figure you see online is an average, not a promise. Your income depends on your area, how many clients you take on, and how much time you have.

Step 3: Cover the legal and safety basics

This part is boring but it protects you. Requirements vary by country, state and city, so check with your local authority rather than relying on a blog post (including this one).

• Business registration: many places require a simple business license or registration, and you may need to report your income as self-employment.
• Insurance: look into pet sitter liability insurance and consider bonding. It can cover accidents, injuries, or a pet escaping.
• Client agreement: a one-page service agreement covering rates, vet authorization, emergency contacts and cancellations saves a lot of trouble.
• Pet first aid: a short pet first aid and CPR course builds trust and could help in an emergency.
• Meet and greet: always meet the pet and owner before the first booking.

Step 4: Build a simple professional presence

You don't need a fancy website. You need:

• A clear name and a short bio that explains who you are and what you offer
• A Google Business Profile and one social page with clear photos of you with animals
• A simple booking or inquiry form
• Screenshots of any reviews you've collected

If you built experience through apps first, ask happy clients whether you can add their review to your own profile.

Step 5: Land your first 5 clients

1. Tell people you know. Friends, neighbors and coworkers with pets are your fastest first clients.
2. Join local groups. Neighborhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor are full of pet owners looking for sitters.
3. Partner with local businesses. Vets, groomers and pet stores often get asked for sitter recommendations. Leave a business card or flyer.
4. Offer a small first-time deal. A discounted first visit or a free meet and greet lowers the risk for new clients.
5. Ask for referrals. After each successful booking, ask if they know anyone else who needs a sitter.

Step 6: Deliver a great experience

Repeat clients are what make this a business rather than a one-off gig.

• Send a photo or short update after every visit.
• Follow the owner's routine exactly, including feeding amounts and walking times.
• Keep notes on each pet's habits, medications and vet contacts.
• Communicate quickly if anything unexpected happens.

Step 7: Grow beyond one person

Once you're busy, you can:

• Raise your rates
• Take only higher-paying bookings like holidays and overnights
• Add services like pet taxi or grooming assistance
• Bring on a trusted helper
• Use your experience to make content, since many sitters also build income through blogging or social media (see our pet influencer guide and our list of 15 ways to make money with pets)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to start a pet sitting business?
Not formal experience, but you should be comfortable handling animals. Start with pets you know, or volunteer at a shelter to build confidence and references.

How much does it cost to start?
Usually very little. Main costs are insurance, any local registration, basic supplies, and a first aid course. Exact amounts vary by location.

Should I use an app or go independent?
Many sitters start on an app to find clients and reviews, then move repeat clients to their own business. Check each app's terms before doing this.

Is pet sitting a good side hustle?
It can be, especially if you enjoy animals and have flexible time. Income is uneven at first, and holidays and summer are usually the busiest seasons.

Final thoughts

Starting a pet sitting business doesn't need a big budget, just reliability, good communication and a bit of local marketing. Start with a few clients, protect yourself with insurance and a simple agreement, and let reviews and referrals grow the business.